Getting Rid of a Ghost: No Winchester Required

If you’re the type who get’s excited about the close proximity of the uncanny during the season of Halloween, or the type who wraps themselves extra-tight into their covers to keep the spookiness out, this how to get rid of a ghost list is exactly what you need.

It's Halloween, the time of year when the veil between the spirit world and our world is the thinnest, when all manner of supernatural beasties can slip into our lives without our knowing it. If you're not a believer in the uncanny, that's okay—they believe in you. Whether you're legitimately concerned about a nasty presence in your house or whether you just like the smell of burning sage, our quick guide to keeping your home a living-persons-only zone will help you up the spooky level in your house this Halloween.

Step One: Stock Up

It's best to have a kit ready before the supernatural strikes. Many items needed for cleansing are useful for multiple things, so there's no reason not to keep them on hand. Salt and white candles are a good place to start, and fresh flowers, scented oils, fresh herbs, and garlic are ordinary enough that nobody is going to question their presence in your home. If you want to get a little more in-depth, save up for a singing bowl, get ahold of some holy water, and finish off your kit with a bell. Though you may not have the need for all of these things, keeping them on hand will give you a sense of security and peace, which is definitely the most important thing when dealing with a haunting.

Step Two: Talk to the Spirit

Don't whip out your Ouija board or contact a medium just yet. If you feel that there's a presence in your house, you can address it yourself. Light a candle, burn some incense, and make sure you're comfortable. When you address the spirit, be firm, but not mean—you don't want to antagonize it, as that could make it angry. While few ghosts mean you harm, some may be mischievous and choose to play tricks on you, so it's best to treat them with respect. Ask them to leave politely, and remind them that their time on earth is finished, and it's time for them to move on into the next world. If you feel uncomfortable, pray, meditate, or take a long bath to cleanse yourself of the negativity. Don't be afraid to contact an expert if it makes you feel better, but also beware of scammers—try to find an expert who has helped someone you know that you can be sure they're not just preying off of your fear.

Step Three: Clean Up

If you feel that the spirit has left (or that you've reached an agreement and can live in harmony), it's time to clean your house. Wash everything—curtains, bedding, walls, sinks, trash cans, everything that comes to mind. Try to use natural methods, such as vinegar and lemon, to clean as much as you can. Sweep debris outside, and imagine sweeping negative energy with it. Burn white candles, fragrant herbs like sage and rosemary, and use your singing bowl to fill your home with beautiful sounds. Focus on filling your home with positivity, as this will make you feel more at home and leave no room for negative energy or other spirits to come in.

If you've had a brush with the paranormal, you might feel alone in the world. Using the Geeking app can help you find other people who know what you're going through, or you can share your fictional ghost stories with people who'd love to read them. Whether your ghost is real or imaginary, remember that filling your home with positivity and keeping a tidy mind and tidy house are your best protections against the supernatural—things like salt, candles, and incense are more about purity, cleanliness, and good smells than magic. It's the meaning we give these things that makes them powerful, and the same is true of anything else; so do your best to fill your home with happiness and light (literal and figurative) and your problems with spirits are far more likely to be confined to little kids dressed in sheets than anything from beyond the grave.

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